Harris completes steadfast journey to become Ireland's youngest premier

People applaud as Taoiseach Simon Harris looks on after receiving a majority parliamentary vote to become the next Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, in Dublin, Ireland, April 9, 2024. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

DUBLIN (Reuters) - When Simon Harris made headlines in his local County Wicklow newspaper in 2003 for criticising the government, the future Irish prime minister was described as "a well-known local activist". He was 16 years old.

Harris on Tuesday became Ireland's youngest ever premier, an ascent that while swift owing to Leo Varadkar's shock departure, has also been more than 20 years in the making, according to those who have worked with the ambitious political devotee.